Morrow fourth in Pirelli rally
Irish driver Phillip Morrow and his co-driver, Daniel Barrett, in a Mitsubishi, finished fourth overall in the Carlisle-based Pirelli Rally, the first round of the British Rally Championship, today.
The event was won by Morrow’s team mate, Guy Wilks, who led from start to finish and ended with a 55.5 second winning margin over the Mitsubishi of Finland’s, Juho Hanninen.
David Higgins in his new Subaru was third.
Morrow set the fastest time on today’s first stage and on S.S. 7, was second fastest. His service crew changed the gearbox of his Mitsubishi prior to the final three stages.
Elsewhere, Carryduff’s, Jonathan Greer/Jonny Hart (Mitsubishi) were eighth.
Darren Gass (Mitsubishi), who began the day in 33rd. Place, finished 14th. Despite having to traverse the final stage with a broken brake pipe.
Marty McCormack (Citroen C2R2), who suffered gearbox problems on last night’s opening leg, ran under Super Rally rules and finished 22nd.
However, two Irish crews dropped out midway through today’s leg.
Cork’s Brian O’Mahony/John Higgins retired their Renault Clio when a rear suspension arm snapped on S.S. 11.
Wicklow’s Daniel Barry/Mark Bowens retired when their Mitsubishi burst an oil pipe.
Meanwhile, Mark Higgins, partnered by Donegal’s Rory Kennedy also retired - their MG S2000 suffered mechanical trouble after S.S. 10, up to that point, they held third overall.
Former seven time Circuit of Ireland winner, Jimmy McRae and his co-driver, Andy Richardson were hospitalised after an accident on S.S. 6.
The Scottish legend, driving a Porsche in the Historic category, suffered a broken sternum. Richardson has since been released from hospital.
1. Guy Wilks/Phil Pugh (Mitsubishi) 1h. 31m. 42.9s.
2. Juho Hanninen/Mikko Markkula (Mitsubishi) 1h. 32m. 38.4s.
3. David Higgins/Ieuan Thomas (Subaru) 1h. 34m. 13.7s.
4. Phillip Morrow/Daniel Barrett (Mitsubishi)1h. 34m. 21.1s.
5. Patrik Flodin/Goran Bergsten (Subaru) 1h. 35m. 05.7s.
6. Stuart Jones/Andy Bull (MG S2000) 1h. 35m. 28.8s.
Irish crew:
8. Jonny Greer/Jonny Hart (Mitsubishi) 1h. 38m. 15.3s.
